Tent-Like Structure

ABSTRACT

One aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is a frame system for modular berthing compartments wherein a plurality of the frames can also function as a frame for a modular tent system, which frames are assembled on site and easily transportable and optimized to ship very efficiently disassembled. The assembled frame creates an environment that maximizes the volumetric space to provide sleeping accommodation or utility spaces in a high-density configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2020/054230, titled “Tent-Like Structure”, filed on May 4, 2020, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/842,992 titled “Tent-Like Structure” filed on May 3, 2019 and specification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Art in the field of tents generally describe multifarious manners of creating waterproof volumetric spaces which focus on the lightness, portability and protected volumetric space being created. This is because tents are highly portable and provide flexible options of use for the internal space created.

Modular buildings create high quality comfort in accommodation however while they are moveable, they are not compact and not easily moveable. Rigid structures such as containers do allow for the arrangement of the internal space to utilize vertical height and volumetric space better, however they generally do not ship efficiently and do not provide solutions for large scale requirements.

Military and Government planners have to consider accommodation solutions for a range of possible contingencies. For military training exercises for instance, thousands of additional personnel may congregate in remote locations that have no built-up infrastructure, or at least not enough infrastructure to have thousands of bed spaces available to spare. Natural disasters and conflicts also create requirements for large-scale accommodation solutions to be built up quickly to address needs that are temporary in nature.

The solution to these challenges typically involves the use of (initially) tents or (later) modular buildings/containers. Open span tents can deploy very efficiently however typically provide limited environmental protection (insulation). Modular solutions, like containers, offer a higher quality of internal space and thermal efficiency, however, are much bulkier to stage and to move in volume, and are not therefore a quick or readily deployable solution for any largescale requirement.

Existing tent designs typically only provide part of any solution—the simple enclosure and protection of personnel from weather and the environment. Internal tent space may optionally be configured by simple fabric compartments to create rooms, or otherwise they are typically open spaces. As for sleeping, positioning sleeping bags directly on the ground sheet is the most basic starting point; however, for any prolonged duration, this is an uncomfortable solution, and cot beds or basic bunks are often used. These are items which need to be planned for and moved separately in addition to the tent kits. A typical military tent of approximately 20 ft×40 ft is designed for 8-10 people. While such a tent may ship in crated boxes as a complete kit, additional furniture such as cot beds are then required to make this tent more than just an enclosure but rather an accommodation solution.

One embodiment of the present invention marries the best of both types of temporary accommodation structures. One aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is a frame system for modular berthing compartments wherein a plurality of the frames can also function as a frame for a modular tent system, which frames are assembled on site and easily transportable and optimized to ship very efficiently disassembled. The assembled modular frame creates an environment that maximizes the volumetric space to provide sleeping accommodation or utility spaces in a high-density configuration. The assembly process has been optimized to make it simple and largely tool free, and the construction is durable to withstand hard usage over long timeframes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides for a modular berthing system comprising a first frame wherein the frame comprises a left side and a right side. The right side includes a first vertical beam with a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a foot plate that is designed to contact the ground and the second end is configured to releasably attach by a securing means (for example a securing means as used herein can be a retaining pin, lynch pin or bolt shaped to fit in slots or any other equivalent thereto with or without a bracing section/endplate/cleat 809 but not limited thereto) to a roof beam for support of the roof beam. A first platform beam comprises a first end and a second end. The first end releasably connects by a securing means to the first vertical beam at a location above the foot plate and also releasably connects by a securing means at the second end of the first platform beam to a location above the footplate on a second vertical beam. The second vertical beam comprising a first end and a second end with the footplate located on the first end of the second vertical beam. The footplate is configured to contact the ground and the second end of the second vertical beam is configured to releasably connect by a securing means to a roof beam for support of the roof beam. A second platform beam that horizontally releasably connects by a securing means the first vertical beam with the second vertical beam wherein the second platform beam is positioned above the first platform beam and in a same vertical plane with the first platform beam to form the right side of the frame. The left side of the first frame is configured with a first vertical beam, a second vertical beam, a first platform beam and a second platform beam that are mirrored in position as compared to the right-side frame. The left side frame and the right side frame are arranged such that a ledge in the first platform beam of the right side of the frame is parallel and level to (for example opposed and/or facing) the ledge of the first platform beam on the left side of the frame. A horizontal panel, for example a flat panel, is configured to be positioned on the ledge of the first platform beam or the ledge of the second platform beam wherein the panel connects the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame thereby providing lateral stability to the frame. The modular berthing system can be further expanded in the longitudinal direction by combining a second frame with the first frame. The second frame comprises a right side and a left side, the right side comprising a third platform beam having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is releasably connectable by a securing means to the right side first vertical beam. The second end of the third platform beam is releasably connectable by a securing means with a third vertical beam. A fourth platform beam comprises a first end releasably connectable by a securing means to the right side first vertical beam and a second end of the fourth platform beam is releasably connectable to the third vertical beam wherein the fourth platform beam is positioned above the third platform beam in a same vertical plane as the third platform beam and wherein the left side of the second frame is configured with a third vertical beam, a third platform beam and a fourth platform beam that are mirrored in position of the third vertical beam, third platform beam and fourth platform beam, with respect to the right side frame. The left side frame and the right side frame are arranged such that a ledge in the third platform beam of the right side of the frame is for example parallel with, and/or opposed with and/or facing the ledge of the third platform beam on the left side of the frame. The horizontal panel is configured to be positioned on the ledge of the third platform beam of the right side of the second frame and the ledge of the third platform beam of the left side of the second frame wherein the panel connects the left side of the second frame and the right side of the second frame thereby providing lateral stability to the second frame. In a further embodiment, a plurality of the roof beams are releasably connectable by a securing means to the first frame at the second end of one or more of the first vertical beam, the second vertical beam or a combination thereof and to the second frame at the second end of the third vertical beam. The plurality of roof beams and the first frame and the second frame are configured to support a skin (for example a privacy panel, between berthing compartments, an exterior covering, or a curtain) that is positioned over a top, a side, between any adjacent vertical beams or any combination thereof of the modular berthing system.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of constructing a modular berthing system comprising assembling a frame wherein a first frame comprises a left side and a right side, the right side comprises a first vertical beam with a first end and a second end, the first end comprises a foot plate that is designed to contact the ground and the second end is configured to releasably attach to and support a roof beam. Releasably connecting a first end of a first platform beam to the first vertical beam at a location above the foot plate and at a second end of the first platform beam to a second vertical beam at a location above the foot plate wherein the second vertical beam is configured with the first end comprising a foot plate that is configured to contact the ground and the second end that is configured to releasably connect to and support a roof beam. Releasably connecting a second platform beam horizontally to the first vertical beam and to the second vertical beam wherein the second platform beam is positioned above the first platform beam and in a same vertical plane with the first platform beam to form the right side of the frame wherein the first vertical beam, the second vertical beam, the first platform beam and the second platform beam are mirrored in position with respect to the right side frame and the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame are arranged such that a ledge in the first platform beam of the right side of the frame is opposing the a ledge of the first platform beam on the left side of the frame. A horizontal panel is positioned on the first platform beam of the right side of the frame and the first platform beam of the left side of the frame wherein the panel connects the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame thereby providing lateral stability to the frame. A plurality of the roof beams are releasably connectable to the frame at the second end of one or more of the first vertical beam on the right side, the second vertical beam on the right side, the first vertical beam on the left side, the second vertical beam on the left side or a combination thereof. A skin such as a privacy panel, exterior covering such as a curtain or a fabric or polymer covering for protecting the interior for exterior environmental elements is attachable to the plurality of roof beams, exterior or interior vertical portions of the frame, or a combination thereof of the berthing structure.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a modular tent system comprising a plurality of frames as described herein wherein the plurality of frames form part of the tent structure. The plurality of frames may have the same configuration, a different configuration or a combination of both. A first frame and a second frame can be expanded. For example the combined first frame and second frame can be expanded laterally when a) the second left side first frame or the right side first frame is releasably connected by a securing means to the first frame with a horizontal panel positioned between opposing ledges, b) the left side second frame or the right side second frame is releasably connected by a securing means to the second frame with a horizontal panel positioned between opposing ledges to expand the berthing system laterally or a combination of a) and b). Expansion in the longitudinal direction is achieved when the second frame is attached to an end vertical beam such as vertical beam 3 or vertical beam 1 of FIG. 6 and can be repeated to form a 12-person single width bunk. Also, horizontal panels that are floor planks interconnect via platform beams located on the lowest position on the vertical beams to add further lateral stability to the modular tent structure. For example, the floor planks connect to vertical beams that have platform frames that form bedding support frames and those that do not have frames associated therewith forming berths or other horizontal panels at ground level such as is illustrated in FIG. 5.

Optionally, additional elements are further discussed below for additional embodiments disclosed herein. The right side first vertical beam and the left side vertical beam can be of the same length or a different length, the right side second vertical beam and the left side second vertical beam can be of the same length or a different length, the right side third vertical beam and the left side vertical beam can be of the same length or a different length. The right side or the left side frame first vertical beam, the second vertical beam, the third vertical beam or any combination thereof may include a groove into which the skin can be secured or a channel into which a securing means can be releasably attached and secures platform beams for example. The ledge is a surface of the platform beam upon which the horizontal platform rests when the first platform beam, the second platform beam, the third platform beam or the fourth platform beam is arced, angled or a combination thereof. For example, the ledge is a stepped recess right angle in any one or more of the first platform beam, the second platform beam, the third platform beam or the fourth platform beam. The horizontal platform is a flooring plank or a bed support platform. A bedframe integrates with the bed support platform and may be secured into one or more vertical beams. When a second platform beam is positioned at a height on the right side of the frame and at the height on the left side of the frame above the first platform beam to allow a sufficient distance between the first platform beam and the second platform beam a horizontal platform can be positioned thereon and support a bed support platform and bed frame, a workspace or create open space above the horizontal platform. When the second horizontal panel is positioned sufficiently above the ground a ladder can be affixed to a vertical beam such as a Center vertical beam of FIG. 6 to gain access to the top of the second horizontal panel surface or a third horizontal panel surface. Further a handrail system connects to the bed platform via a securing means and integrated securing channel within the bed platform. The modular berthing system and the modular tent system are designed to ship unassembled via personal, commercial vehicle, or shipping container when the modular berthing system and the modular tent system are disassembled. The structural integrity of the modular berthing system or the modular tent system are strengthened with the longitudinal and lateral addition of elements and additional structural bracing that are affixed to the vertical beams and/or an additional frame and add frames and horizontal panels are added. In one embodiment the platform beams that are in the right side of a frame and the same number platform beam on the left side of the frame are not opposing, and/or not parallel or and/or not facing each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Embodiments of the present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tent-like structure assembled from modular frames from the outside according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cut-away perspective view of the tent-like structure of FIG. 1 indicating the multi-level platforms according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a cut-away perspective view of the tent-like structure of FIG. 1 indicating how the aisles may function and how platforms may be removed from the general arrangement to create functional spaces, here for lockers 303 for instance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A-B shows a top down plan view of the tent-like structure showing how lower and upper levels may be configured into sleeping platforms according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A-B shows top down and perspective views of the accommodation density which may be created preferentially by virtue of an embodiment of the present embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A-B shows perspective views of how the beam platforms act as both platform frames and also bracing support for the frame structure as a whole according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of how the stepped beam platform 709 may be assembled and how the stepped design 713 is able to support a bed frame 705, floor planks 707 and a bed 703 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of how a ladder may be used to reach upper platform levels according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of privacy curtains which may be integrated into the platform beams according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A-B shows a perspective view and plan view on how larger compartments may be created for more varied uses of the invention, still utilizing the same design and frames according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A-D illustrates horizontal and vertical beams and securing means according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates the tent-like structure assembled from the components that were shipped in a standard 20 ft ISO cargo container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A-C illustrates an end on view of a berthing system module, a side view of a berthing system module, and a perspective view of a berthing system module according to one embodiment of the present system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient tent system that maximizes the volumetric space utilization for a variety of end uses, but particularly for sleeping accommodation, and which is economically transportable across large distances to support contingency requirements. This object, and others to become apparent as the specification progresses, is accomplished by the invention which, briefly stated, comprises a metallic framework, beam platforms, accessories and rigid (for example, metal, wood or composite) flooring systems, along with a fabric enclosure that engages and slides via the supporting framework to create a weatherproof enclosure, with fabric panels used via the same framework to create integrated internal partitions for privacy and other purposes.

One embodiment of the tent-like structure of the present invention addresses a need in Military, Government and NGO applications to provide high-density temporary accommodation solutions that are easily assembled and disassembled and moved into position and built efficiently. The following discussion will focus primarily on these particular uses (which shall be referred to here as ‘Military’ for simplicity). The innovation is conceived to have wide commercial uses as a temporary dormitory, for events, for temporary construction sites, for camp environments requiring quick accommodation solutions, or for other temporary or semi-permanent applications where permanent constructions may not be possible or appropriate.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a complete fully functional accommodation tent-like structure kit optimized for shipping complete with sleeping bunks and contained in as little as a single 20 ft shipping container, including all necessary tent-like structure beams, fabric or rigid enclosure panels, flooring, bed frames, ground anchoring, and optionally environmental control unit(s) to operate. In this sense, the one embodiment of the present invention is a deployable kit solution in a box, ready to operate as a dormitory or other compartmentalized structure (e.g. workspaces). Compared with open tents of a similar footprint, one embodiment of the present invention if configured also at 20 ft×40 ft has the potential to sleep up to 44 people in individual sleeping berths—allowing for much higher concentrations of people to be accommodated where space is limited than through traditional tents or containers. The sleeping density in one embodiment of the present invention would be familiar to those who have slept in Navy sleeping berths on a ship, but such densities are not normally found in tent applications on land. This is part of the innovation and this application will hereafter refer to each sleeping space or utility area as a ‘berth’ accordingly.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular tent-like structure 101 FIG. 1 used to create sleeping accommodation (or other utility spaces) in an efficient and high-density configuration as is illustrated in the cut away of 202 of FIGS. 2 and 503 of FIG. 5, where the bunks or platform levels are integrated within the tent-like structural framework 601 of FIG. 6, supported from and enhancing the rigidity of the tent-like structure as a whole. Whereas most tents or marquees provide an open space that can be user configured, one embodiment of the present invention is an innovative modular design comprising a plurality of frames/units 601 interconnected that creates the sleeping or utility compartments as part of the structure.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cut away of a tent structure/system 202 is illustrated. The system can be equipped with environmental conditioning unit (ECU) 407, generator 405, and doors 201.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a cut away of a tent structure/system having a skin 301 is illustrated. Interior space is customizable to include lockers 303, desks and other user desired features next to the frames that provide structural integrity and support roof elements 307 and ventilation ducting 309.

Referring now to FIG. 4A-B, a lower floor plan 401 illustrates aisles 411 between frames 402 supporting bed platforms 404. An upper floor plan 403 cut away illustrates ventilation ducting 409 for the ECU 407. Generator 405 is a supply power.

Referring now to FIG. 5A is a top down view of the tent structure 501 illustrating the frames integrated together to form multiple sleeping quarters on a single level. FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view 503 of an embodiment of the tent structure illustrating multiple levels of sleeping quarters via the integrated frames that form the modular tent structure.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tent system is optimized to accommodate as many people as possible in comfort while still offering a highly dense and efficient footprint for transport and shipping, such that in the smallest number of truck deliveries, the highest number of people could be accommodated in relative comfort. Referring now to FIG. 5 A-B a top down view 501 and a perspective view 503 of bunks at multiple levels with aisles in between 502 illustrates that a plurality of people can be accommodated at each level. The plurality of stepped beam platforms offered by the structure provide this multi-level vertical compartmentalisation, while at the same time the plurality of said horizontal platforms connecting stepped beam platforms preferentially provides additional bracing resistance to the tent-like structural design, increasing the racking strength of the structure and thereby providing added wind and snow load resistance characteristics, allowing the tent system invention to be used in as wide a variety of installation environments as possible.

Referring now to FIG. 6A-B, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a framed tent structure 603 FIG. 6B having upright vertical beams/members 607 and 615 that are attached laterally with typically sloping roof members 605 and horizontal cross beams 613. In this embodiment, upright member 615 is an exterior wall support. Frames are supported upon base plates (also referred to herein as foot plates) 609 allowing for anchoring and levelling to the ground. The upright/vertical members/beams may be designed to support attachment of a skin such as a fabric or rigid panels 301 to provide a weatherproof external cover. The tent frames 601 of FIG. 6A are braced longitudinally by platform beam support 709 which may be stepped as shown in FIG. 7 or have a ledge and base longitudinal/horizontal beam support 805 which may have a ledge formed by a recess or step, onto which suspended flooring 617 and/or bunk/bed platform assemblies are affixed. Where it's desired to have the lowest bunk flush with the aisle flooring, then the bed platform is secured to beam 805, and the floor panel can be fitted flush with the aisle floor. Base longitudinal beam 805 may have steps either side of the beam—one side for the bed panel, one side for the aisle flooring planks. Where the first level bedframe is desired slightly higher than the floor panel, one can secure floor panel to base longitudinal beam 805 (also a platform beam support) at floor level (onto which floor is fitted in the aisle) but then also shorter planks can be fitted in the bunk area to provide a sealed floor space under lower level bedframe. Then another beam 709 is fitted above it, for example a single sided step beam, into which are fitted the bed frame and bed area planks. FIG. 6A illustrates a first vertical beam at the center “C” and a second vertical beam to the right “R” of C and a third vertical beam to the left “L” of C. The front “F” and the back “B” of 601 is also noted. A first frame includes a first vertical beam and a second vertical beam. A second frame includes a third vertical beam connected to the first vertical beam. The first vertical beam or C beam is shared between the first frame and the second frame.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the present invention, bunk platform/floor planks 701 are illustrated (including bed 703, bedframe 705 or floor plank 707) are affixed with stepped platform beams 805 and 709 providing additional structural integrity to the tent framework and assembly as a whole. Stepped platform beam 709 can be substituted with a platform beam that does not have the recess created by the right angle of 709 and the platform beam is still able to support the horizontal panel and be secured to it in one embodiment. The platform beams 709 define the length of each platform or berth compartment, and such beams are designed to support the addition of metal flooring panels 707 made of planks for example and optionally bed frames 705, with such items remaining preferentially flush after the assembly. Such beams to have captive nuts or threads to allow such flooring and accessories to be readily clamped tight into place by simple screws. The frame rests on stepped platform beam 709.

The structure 101 of FIG. 1 is assembled of frames. A frame is illustrated in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A center “C” vertical beam is number 1, to the left “L” is a vertical beam number 2 and to the right “R” of C is vertical beam 3. The front “F” of the frame and the back “B” of the frame is identified. A plurality of frames 801 can span the cross section of the structure 101, and each frame 801 is braced longitudinally by a plurality of beams 805, 709 and bracing section/endplate/cleat 809 at a first end and a second end of beam 805 and or 709 which bracing section secures to the vertical upright 607 or 615 to help give the structure its rigidity. The frames have footplates 609 at the base of each vertical beam or upright 607, 615 and the footplates are secured to the ground via anchor bolts or ground anchors (not shown). Vertical beams 607 and 615 may be the same height or of different height. They may be of the same shape or different. An interior positioned vertical beam 607 and 615 can accommodate attachment means for a privacy panel. Exterior vertical beam 607 and 615 can accommodate attachment means for the tent skin. This process allows for the levelling of the frame on uneven ground. In one embodiment, footplate has a base plate with anchoring/peg holes and a tubular member welded to it. This tube sleeves inside the vertical beams/uprights 607/615 and an arrangement of holes on the tube corresponds with a series of holes in the vertical beams/uprights 607/615, with a pin being inserted at the desired height to level the upright as required. Longitudinal beam 805 may be formed as a double step base beam while platform beam 709 can be formed as a single step platform beam however other configurations can function to support the platform. Vertical beam 2L (F and B) can be the same of different. Vertical beam 1C (F and B) can be the same of different. Vertical beam 3R (F and B) can be the same or different.

It is envisaged that the frames will be aluminium extrusions, typically with suitable channels such as 619 of FIG. 11A for confining fixed and slideable fittings thereto being the most suitable for use in the manufacture of the uprights and horizontal beams. Panels made of a skin, for example fabric panels with flexible solid edges, can be slid through skin panel groves/channels on the external vertical support and roof members framework and tensioned to create fast-erecting weatherproof covers for the structure or privacy panels or roof tops.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in one embodiment flooring attaches to beam support 805 and bunks attach to beam support 709. Further still, bed railing 911 on the upper and middle bunks may also be provided. In one embodiment, the bunk platforms are spaced apart leaving a distance between the bottom of the upper bunk platform and the top of the immediately lower bunk platform of between about 30-80 inches for example between about 40-60 inches.

In one embodiment, the tent-like structure is arranged into a series of compartments in rows with aisles as is illustrated in 401 and 403 of FIG. 4A-B, allowing personnel access to each bunk space or compartment directly. Access to upper compartments may be enabled by fitted ladders 611, or other climbing hardware.

Referring now to FIG. 9, privacy to each compartment can be provided optionally by separation panels 909 and curtains 901 that integrate into the tent framework. In one embodiment, the tent-like structure is also designed to support aisleway lighting (not shown) and ventilation ducting 309, 409 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, with openings to route service ducts and cables to external environmental control units 407 and power generators 405.

The tent-like structure system is flexible to offer high-density bunk accommodation for maximum occupancy, or alternatively to allow configuration of the space into larger compartments 1001-1005 of FIG. 10A for added accommodation comfort, or for alternative uses such as modular offices/workspaces. For example, a single bed compartment can be arranged with a work space 1001. Alternatively, an office space may be combined with a double occupancy arrangement for two cots 1005. The top down view is illustrated in 1007 of FIG. 10B.

The tent-like structure design provides the option of double skin 301 weather protection, providing a measure of insulation through design of the air gap to the interior and providing added resistance to condensation through the ventilation design. The framework also offers optional privacy panels or curtains 901 that integrate with the structure to provide berth separation quickly and simply.

Within the vertical beam framework may be fitted grooves into which privacy panels 909 may be captively positioned and which may slide open and closed as desired, with such panels reconfigurable to allow compartments to be created of a larger size 1003 where required.

The framework may optionally be fitted with integrated steps or ladder framework 611, 803 and 905 to allow access to upper levels at all times. Bunk platforms may be removed from the layout to allow for additional aisleways 411 or storage/utility spaces to be created such as locker 303. A door 201 may be integrated directly with the framework for access.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal support beam and the platform beam support the platform and secure to the vertical beams. In one embodiment beam 805 and beam 709 are of the same configuration. In another embodiment beam 805 and beam 709 have a different configuration. For example, beam 805 and beam 709 may each comprise a step design 713 to allow flooring planks 707 or platforms or other accessories such as bed frames 705 to rest inside and remain flush with the beam's upper surface, allowing for preferentially a simple method of clamping all such inserts into place by placement of a wider metallic section above the beam which is then affixed back to the beam using hardware. Such a method of emplacement preferentially allows for multifarious drop in inserts to be used for multiple purposes.

Another feature of one embodiment of the present invention is a slotted channel 619 in each upright vertical beam section (vertical section as illustrated in FIG. 11 A-B) that preferentially allows functional accessories or structural enhancements to be added to the frame as required, for example, to add rigid internal walls and to increase the wind resistance of the tent-like structure for extreme environments. Right angle 713 provides a horizontal platform in platform beam 709 upon which flooring planks and bed frame rests. A hollow space 1130 running within the vertical section decreases the weight of each vertical member while in some embodiments a spine is present for added strength. The channels 1105 for the securing means 1103 (for example bolts) are adjacent to the slotted channel 619 that accepts the skin or fabric panels. The securing means may be, for example, a bolt with at least two flat sides opposite each other with a bolt head top that is flat for example a hex bolt. A platform beam attaches to one or both sides of the vertical beam via the securing means attached to the channels in one embodiment. In FIG. 6A, the center vertical beam of 607 and 617 each support three platform beams. The vertical beam is attachable. Skins platform beams 709 and 805 can attach to multiple sides/faces of the vertical beam 607, 615.

Referring now to FIG. 11C-D, one example of a platform beam is illustrated as platform beam 805 with step 713 and is provided with channels 711 into which securing means 725 fit. In one embodiment platform beam 805 accommodates horizontal panels on both 713 steps. In another embodiment platform beam 805 is positioned between two vertical beams at a position nearest ground level.

Referring now to FIG. 12, tent structure 1201 when disassembled fits into an ISO container 1203 for example a 20 ft ISO standard shipping container.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an end view of a berthing module showing six berths in FIG. 13A. This view illustrates first frame that is expanded laterally with a left side frame that shares the middle vertical beam. There are an additional six berths on the other half of the module as is shown in FIG. 6B which is a side view of the six stacked berths. This view illustrates a first frame and second frame that share vertical beams in the center. FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of a module with example dimensions for resting/sleeping areas. FIG. 13C illustrates a perspective view and example dimensions for a berthing module with berths for example. Each level of the berthing module can include a locker for each divided space for example there are six divided spaces in FIG. 13C.

It will be understood that the above description of the present invention is susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims. For example, a skilled artisan would understand that various materials can be used to construct the tent disclosed as can various dimensions and configurations. For instance, even though the embodiments described disclose a structure mainly for high-density sleeping, a skilled artisan would understand that the size of such an assembly may be reduced or increased depending on the specific requirements and may include open spaces within the design, and it would be understood that a device or method incorporating any of the additional or alternative details mentioned above would fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims below and any equivalents thereof.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. Note that in the specification and claims, “about” or “approximately” means within twenty percent (20%) of the numerical amount cited. The word “a”, “an” or “the” means one or more unless otherwise indicated.

Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular berthing system comprising: a first frame wherein the frame comprises a left side and a right side, the right side includes a first vertical beam with a first end and a second end, the first end comprises a foot plate that is designed to contact the ground and the second end is configured to releasably attach by a securing means to a roof beam for support of the roof beam, a first platform beam having a first end and a second end, the first end releasably connects by a securing means to the first vertical beam at a location above the foot plate and also releasably connects by a securing means at the second end of the first platform beam to a location above the footplate on a second vertical beam having a first end and a second end, the footplate located on the first end of the second vertical beam, is configured to contact the ground and the second end of the second vertical beam is configured to releasably connect by a securing means to a roof beam for support of the roof beam, a second platform beam that horizontally releasably connects by a securing means the first vertical beam with the second vertical beam wherein the second platform beam is positioned above the first platform beam and in a same vertical plane with the first platform beam to form the right side of the frame wherein the left side of the first frame is configured with a first vertical beam, a second vertical beam, a first platform beam and a second platform beam that are mirrored in position as compared to the right side frame, the left side frame and the right side frame are arranged such that a ledge in the first platform beam of the right side of the frame is opposed to the ledge of the first platform beam on the left side of the frame; a flat horizontal panel configured to be positioned on the ledge of the first platform beam or the second platform beam wherein the panel connects the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame thereby providing lateral stability to the frame; a plurality of the roof beams releasably connectable by a securing means to the first frame at the second end of one or more of the first vertical beam, the second vertical beam or a combination thereof; and the plurality of roof beams and the frame configured to support a skin that can be positioned over a top, a side or a combination thereof of the modular berthing system.
 2. The modular berthing system of claim 1 further comprising: a second frame, the second frame comprising a right side and a left side, the right side comprising a third platform beam having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is releasably connectable by a securing means to the right side first vertical beam, the second end of the third platform beam is releasably connectable by a securing means with a third vertical beam, a fourth platform beam having a first end releasably connectable by a securing means to the right side first platform beam and a second end of the fourth platform beam is releasably connectable to the third vertical beam wherein the fourth platform beam is positioned above the third platform beam in a same vertical plane as the third platform beam and wherein the left side of the frame is configured with a third vertical beam, a third platform beam and a fourth platform beam that are mirrored as to position as compared to the right side frame, the left side frame and the right side frame are arranged such that a ledge in the third platform beam of the right side of the frame is opposed to the ledge of the third platform beam on the left side of the frame; a flat horizontal panel configured to be positioned on the ledge of the third platform beam of the right side of the frame and the ledge of the third platform beam of the left side of the frame wherein the panel connects the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame thereby providing lateral stability to the second frame; a plurality of the roof beams releasably connectable by a securing means to the second frame at the second end of the third vertical beam; and the plurality of roof beams and the frame configured to support the skin that is positioned over a top, a side or a combination thereof of the second frame of the modular berthing system.
 3. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the right side first vertical beam, the right side second vertical beam or both include a groove into which the skin can be secured.
 4. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the left side first vertical beam, the left side second vertical beam or both include a groove into which the skin can be secured.
 5. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the right side first vertical beam, the right side second vertical beam or both include a channel into which a securing means are positioned.
 6. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the left side first vertical beam, the left side second vertical beam or both include a channel into which securing means are positioned.
 7. The berthing system of claim 2 wherein the right side third vertical beam, the left side third vertical beam or both includes a channel into which a securing means are positioned.
 8. The berthing system of claim 2 wherein the right side third vertical beam, the left side third vertical beam or both include a groove into which the skin can be secured.
 9. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the ledge is a surface upon which the horizontal platform rests when the first platform beam, the second platform beam, the third platform beam or the fourth platform beam is arced, angled or a combination thereof.
 10. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the ledge comprises a stepped recess right angle in the first platform beam, the second platform, the third platform beam or the fourth platform beam.
 11. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the horizontal platform is a flooring plank or a bed support platform.
 12. The berthing system of clam 11 wherein a bedframe integrates with the bed support platform and is secured into one or more vertical beams.
 13. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein a) the left side first frame or the right side first frame is releasably connected by with a horizontal panel positioned between opposing ledges a securing means to form the first frame, b) the left side second frame or the right side second frame is releasably connected with a horizontal panel positioned between opposing ledges by a securing means to form the second frame to expand the berthing system laterally.
 14. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the second platform beam is positioned vertically at a height on the right side of the frame and at the height on the left side of the frame above the first platform beam to allow a sufficient distance between the first platform beam and the second platform beam to accommodate a second horizontal panel when the second horizontal panel is positioned on the second platform beam on the right side of the frame and the second platform beam on the left side of the frame.
 15. The berthing system of claim 9 wherein the second horizontal panel is positioned sufficiently above the ground to require a ladder to gain access to the top of the second horizontal panel surface.
 16. The berthing system of claim 10 wherein a ladder is attached to the second horizontal panel to permit access from the ground to the second horizontal panel positioned above the ground.
 17. The berthing system of claim 10 wherein the second horizontal panel is a bed platform.
 18. The berthing system of claim 17 wherein a handrail system connects to the bed platform via a securing means and integrated securing channel within the bed platform.
 19. The berthing system according to claim 1 wherein a securing means is a bolt or pin.
 20. The berthing system of claim 1 wherein the first platform beam, the second platform, the third platform beam or the fourth platform beam comprises a step configuration.
 21. A method of constructing a modular berthing system comprising: assembling a frame wherein a frame comprises a left side and a right side, the right side comprises a first vertical beam with a first end and a second end, the first end comprises a footplate that is designed to contact the ground and the second end is configured to releasably attach to and support a roof beam; releasably connecting a first end of a first platform beam to the first vertical beam at a location above the footplate and at a second end of the first platform beam to a second vertical beam at a location above the footplate wherein the second vertical beam is configured with the first end comprising a footplate that is configured to contact the ground and the second end that is configured to releasably connect to and support a roof beam; releasably connecting a second platform beam horizontally to the first vertical beam and to the second vertical beam wherein the second platform beam is positioned above the first platform beam and in a same vertical plane with the first platform beam to form the right side of the frame wherein the first vertical beam, the second vertical beam , the first platform beam and the second platform beam are mirrored in position with respect to the right side frame and the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame are arranged such that a ledge in the first platform beam of the right side of the frame is opposing the a ledge of the first platform beam on the left side of the frame; positioning a horizontal panel on the first platform beam of the right side of the frame and the first platform beam of the left side of the frame wherein the panel connects the left side of the frame and the right side of the frame thereby providing lateral stability to the frame; releasably connecting a plurality of the roof beams to the frame at the second end of one or more of the first vertical beam on the right side, the second vertical beam on the right side, the first vertical beam on the left side, the second vertical beam on the left side or a combination thereof; and positioning a skin to the plurality of roof beams, the frame, or a combination thereof of the berthing structure.
 22. A modular tent system comprising: a plurality of frames of claim 2 wherein the plurality of frames of claim 2 form part of the tent structure.
 23. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the right side first vertical beam and the left side vertical beam can be of the same length or a different length.
 24. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the right side second vertical beam and the left side vertical beam can be of the same length or a different length.
 25. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the right side first vertical beam, the right side second vertical beam or both include a groove into which the skin can be secured.
 26. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the left side first vertical beam, the left side second vertical beam or both include a groove into which the skin can be secured.
 27. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the right side first vertical beam and the right side second vertical beam or both include a channel into which a securing means are positioned.
 28. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the left side first vertical beam and the left side second vertical beam or both include a channel into which securing means are positioned.
 29. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the right side third vertical beam or the left side third vertical beam includes a channel into which a securing means are positioned.
 30. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the right side third vertical beam or the left side third vertical beam include a groove into which the skin can be secured.
 31. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the ledge is a surface upon which the horizontal platform rests when the first platform beam or the second platform beam is arced, angled or a combination thereof.
 32. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the ledge is a stepped recess right angle in the first platform beam or the second platform beam.
 33. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the horizontal platform is a flooring plank or a bed support platform.
 34. The modular tent system of claim 33 wherein a bedframe integrates with the bed support platform and is secured into one or more vertical beams.
 35. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein a second platform beam is positioned longitudinally at a height on the right side of the frame and at the height on the left side of the frame above the first platform beam to allow a sufficient distance between the first platform beam and the second platform beam.
 36. The modular tent system of claim 35 wherein a second horizontal panel is positioned sufficiently above the ground to require a ladder to gain access to the top of the second horizontal panel surface.
 37. The modular tent system of claim 36 wherein a ladder is attached to the second horizontal panel to permit access from the ground to the second horizontal panel positioned above the ground.
 38. The modular tent system of claim 34 wherein a handrail system connects to the bed support platform via a securing means and integrated securing channel within the bed support platform.
 39. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein the modular tent system is transportable by truck or via a shipping container when the modular tent system is disassembled.
 40. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein one or more channels in the vertical beams into which additional structural bracing may be affixed increases the structural integrity of the modular tent system.
 41. The modular tent system of claim 22 wherein a securing means is a bolt or pin. 